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The Martin Greenwood Memorial Hilly TT (Circuit of Longridge Fell)

More than just a race to many in the local time trialling community. The Martin Greenwood Memorial Hilly TT is held annually in memory of Martin Greenwood. Who was tragically killed while cycling.

This year marked the fourtieth anniversary of the event. An amazing achievement thanks to the hard work and dedication of Doreen Mallinson and Martin’s parents Jean and Arthur.

I rode it for the first time this year and was lucky enough to be the fastest to complete the course on the night.

23rd June, 2015. On a warm summer evening I made my way to Goosnargh village hall to tackle a testing 17 mile circuit that loops around Longridge Fell. The route is renowned for it’s technical descents and sharp punchy climbs and is a real leg-burner.

In the right conditions it boasts some very quick undulating sections and it’s a circuit that offers a little for all rider types. The big test is a long drag near the finish that you’ll need to save some legs for.

It’s a fantastic event and I would highly recommend anyone interested in Sporting Time Trials give it a go next year.

The Route

Immediately after setting off you are faced with a rather steep (and thankfully) short climb out of Longridge. It’s difficult to hold back here but you don’t want to go into the red too quickly.

Once you crest the hill there’s a nice descent followed by miles of fast undulating road with a tailwind, or slow torturous undulating road if it’s a headwind! At the end of this section are some small but technical twisty descents, followed quickly by the big climb of the course. Once that’s dealt with it’s a case of emptying the tank on the relatively flat few miles to the finish!

An easy route on paper, but difficult and punishing on the legs in practice.

The Ride

I paced my effort well and was pleased with my ride. At the top of the last climb near the finish I suddenly started to cramp up. Which is something I don’t normally suffer from and I think was because of the hot conditions. At that point my power took a little dip. I managed to push through though and came back to finish strong.

After the race Martin’s parents were kind enough to present me with the Trophy. One which is etched full of the names of local professional riders. Including James Gullen and Hugh Carthy. Which goes to show the level of pedigree this event has in the cycling community. I’m lucky enough and incredibly proud to have my name alongside that kind of talent.

I was truly humbled by the hard work and dedication of Doreen and the Greenwoods. The event obviously means a great deal to them and I hope it continues to be successful in the years to come. I will do my best to promote it in the future and will definitely take part again next year to defend the trophy!